The welfare of finishing pigs in two contrasting housing systems: Fully-slatted versus straw-bedded accommodation

Four consecutive studies were carried out over a 3-year period to assess the health and welfare implications of housing finishing pigs in either fully-slatted or straw-bedded accommodation. In each study, 1024 (Large White × Landrace) × Large White pigs, housed in pen groups of 32, were fed ad libitum from 34 kg to slaughter at 104 kg live weight. Eight batches of pigs were received in each study and allocated alternately to fill one room of four pens in each house. Data were collected on a range of welfare parameters. Lameness (P < 0.001) and bitten tails (P < 0.001) were more prevalent health problems in the fully-slatted system, whilst in the straw-bedded system pigs showed more respiratory (P < 0.01) and PMWS-type symptoms (P < 0.01). Acute phase protein titres at slaughter were higher in pigs from the fully-slatted system (P < 0.001). Skin lesion score did not differ between systems; however, bursitis was more severe in pigs in the fully-slatted system (P < 0.001). Pigs in the straw-bedded system had poorer hygiene scores (P < 0.001), but the magnitude of this difference varied between studies depending on season. Pigs with straw were more active (P < 0.001), spending a large proportion of time manipulating straw. In the absence of straw, pigs spent more time in behaviour directed at other pigs (P < 0.001) and the pen components (P < 0.001). Post-slaughter assessment showed no system differences in lung lesions and cardiac scores, or osteochondrosis. Pigs with straw had more severe toe erosions on the foot (P < 0.001), whilst pigs without straw had more severe sole (P < 0.001) and heel erosions (P < 0.001). Gastric lesion scores were lower in the fully-slatted system (P < 0.001). The results show both advantages and disadvantages to each of the housing systems for pig welfare.     

Effects of Family Housing on Behaviour,Plasma Cortisol and Performance in Adult Female Mink (Mustela vison)

Various behavioural, physiological and production-related parameters were examined in 200 adult female pastel and pearl mink either family housed in three-room cages with no weaning or housed singly in one-room cages after normal weaning procedures. Scanning observations of behaviour and use of the cages were performed in the nursing period and several parameters related to reproduction were registered. The adult female mink were weighed when kits were 16 weeks old (September) and again at pelting time (November). Blood samples were collected from all adult female mink in September at which time the teat condition and fur damage were evaluated. After pelting, bite marks on the leather side of the skin were counted, fur damage was graded after severity and the fur size was measured. Some positive consequences of being family housed were revealed. The familyhoused adult female mink showed a lower level of stereotypes and a higher level of defensiveness and curiosity than the adult female mink in one-room cages during the nursing period. In September and November, family-housed adult females were heavier than singly housed adult females. However, most of the physiological or production-related parameters pointed in a negative direction for familyhoused adult female mink. Reproductive success was somewhat reduced, although not significantly. Plasma cortisol levels were elevated in September, indicating higher levels of stress in these females. They showed a generally poor teat condition in September, with a high proportion of swollen or bitten teats. A high proportion of these adult females showed fur damage in both September and November, and a high number of bite marks was found on the leather side of the skins of these females, indicating that family housing had a high cost for the adult female mink. In conclusion, there seem to be some benefits, at least on the behavioural level, in keeping adult female mink in three-room cages during the nursing period, but both physiological and production-related parameters indicated that the welfare of the adult female mink was threatened if she was continuously cohoused with her litter past the normal age of weaning.     

A review of the effect of energy intake on pregnancy rate and litter size-discussed in relation to group-housed non-lactating sows

The number of group-housed non-lactating sows is increasing rapidly in Europe as a consequence of changed legislation initiated by elevated public concern of animal welfare. Lower litter size and pregnancy rate in group compared to individually housed non-lactating sows have been observed in several on-farm experiments. The overall aim of this paper is to consider whether the variation in energy intake in a group of non-lactating sows can influence variation in litter size and pregnancy rate. A review of existing literature with main emphasis on publications after 1980 was carried out to clarify whether pregnancy rate and litter size may be influenced by energy intake. The studies reviewed indicate that low energy intake compared to high energy intake before mating may impair litter size in gilts and in sows that experienced severe weight loss during lactation. Furthermore, moderate energy intake compared to low energy intake in the first 3 days after mating may reduce litter size in the gilt but not in the sows. Both pregnancy rate and litter size might be influenced by very low energy intake in the first 4 weeks of pregnancy. Based upon studies indicating that low ranking sows may consume considerably less than high ranking sows (e.g., 50-80%) in group-housed systems, it is suggested that the variation in feed intake in a group of restricted fed pregnant female pigs may be large enough to influence pregnancy rate and litter size.     

草原补奖政策对牧民减畜意愿的影响——以内蒙古自治区为例

本文用内蒙古自治区草甸草原、典型草原、荒漠草原、沙地草原和草原化荒漠5大草原类型的15个旗（县）844户牧民调查数据,通过建立二元Logit回归模型分析草原补奖政策对牧户减畜意愿的影响。研究表明,草原补奖政策能对牧民减畜意愿起到激励效果,即在第二轮草原补奖政策的实施下牧民愿意减少家畜数量,且获得更高的草原补奖资金的牧民减畜意愿更高;汉族牧民比蒙和满族牧民的减畜愿意更高;家庭总收入对减畜意愿有显著负向影响,且草场资源丰富、家庭总收入较低和畜牧业依赖程度较弱的牧民减畜意愿更高;草原类型值对牧民的减畜意愿有显著正向影响,位于较低草原生产力草原类型的牧民的减畜意愿更高。建议继续推行并完善草原补奖政策,改变福利式的补奖方式,提高政策目标的瞄准性。     

Using mixed methods to investigate factors influencing reporting of livestock diseases: A case study among smallholders in Bolivia

Livestock disease surveillance is particularly challenging in resource-scarce settings, where disease events are often unreported. Surveillance performance is determined as much by the quantifiable biological attributes of the disease, as it is by motivations and barriers perceived by livestock keepers for disease reporting. Mixed methods designs, which integrate the collection, analysis and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data in a single study, are increasingly used across different disciplines. These designs allow for a deeper exploration of the topic under investigation, than can be achieved by either approach alone.     

橘小实蝇对气候变暖的物候响应——以云南省为例

全球气候持续变暖是最受关注的环境问题,昆虫作为种类最多、数量最庞大的变温动物,必然受到全球气候变化的影响。本研究以重要果蔬害虫橘小实蝇为研究对象,收集云南省橘小实蝇历年物候数据与同期温度数据,通过线性回归模型分析该害虫在云南省始见期、终末期、种群快速增长期和种群高峰期的年际变化情况和与温度升高的关系,旨在探索气候变化对橘小实蝇物候的影响。研究表明：40年间(1980—2020年),云南省年均温和四季均温均有不同程度的上升。云南省橘小实蝇成虫种群快速增长期随年份的推移呈提前的趋势,平均每年提前0.6976天,而始见期、终末期、种群高峰期则呈现不同程度的延迟,平均每年分别延迟2.151天、0.6008天、2.549天。云南省橘小实蝇的四个物候指标随年均温升高皆呈延迟趋势。若云南省年均温提升0.1℃,则始见期延迟0.5771天,终末期延迟0.5091天,种群快速增长期延迟0.09544天,种群高峰期延迟3.197天。春季均温、夏季均温、秋季均温及年均温是影响橘小实蝇种群高峰期的关键气候因素。本研究旨在阐明害虫对全球气候变暖的物候响应及适应特征,对摸清气候变化情境下橘小实蝇未来的灾变规律及相应防控措施的优化具有重要意义。     

Indicators of success for smart law enforcement in protected areas: A case study for Russian Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) reserves

Although considerable conservation resources have been committed to develop and use law enforcement monitoring and management tools such as SMART, measures of success are ill‐defined and, to date, few reports detail results post‐implementation. Here, we present 4 case studies from protected areas with Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) in Russia, in which indicators of success were defined and evaluated at each. The ultimate goal was an increase in tiger numbers to 1 individual/100 km² at each site. We predicted that improvements in law enforcement effectiveness would be followed by increases in prey numbers and, subsequently, tiger numbers. We used short‐term and long‐term indicators of success, including: (i) patrol team effort and effectiveness; (ii) catch per unit effort indicators (to measure reductions in threats); and (iii) changes in target species numbers. In addition to implementing a monitoring system, we focused on improving law enforcement management using an adaptive management process. Over 4 years, we noted clear increases in patrol effort and a partial reduction in threats. Although we did not detect clear trends in ungulate numbers, tiger populations remained stable or increased, suggesting that poaching of tigers may be more limiting than prey depletion. Increased effectiveness is needed before a clear reduction in threats can be noted, and more time is needed before detecting responses in target populations. Nonetheless, delineation of concrete goals and indicators of success provide a means of evaluating progress and weaknesses. Such monitoring should be a central component of law enforcement strategies for protected areas.     

陇东旱塬区冬小麦粮草兼用农户意愿及影响因素实证分析——基于甘肃省庆阳市323个农户的调查

探索冬小麦粮草兼用农户意愿的影响因素,对推广冬小麦粮草兼用模式,实现农牧业的可持续发展具有重要意义。本研究基于甘肃省庆阳市323个农户的调查数据,运用二元Logistic回归模型,分析农户冬小麦粮草兼用的采纳意愿,并探讨其采纳意愿的影响因素。结果表明,农户对冬小麦粮草兼用模式有采纳意愿的占比为57%,总体意愿程度较高。在影响冬小麦粮草兼用农户意愿的诸多因素中,农户年龄(P<0.05)、年耕作月数(P<0.1)、家庭总收入(P<0.05)、冬小麦种植面积(P<0.1)、了解程度(P<0.05)、前景感知(P<0.01)、小麦产量影响的认知(P<0.01)等变量,对农户采纳冬小麦粮草兼用意愿有显著正向影响;而家庭上学人数(P<0.05)、饲养家畜的数量(P<0.1)对农户采纳意愿有显著负向影响。因此,本研究从提高农业比较收益,拓宽农户获取信息的渠道,加快农村土地流转及继续开展冬小麦粮草兼用优化模式的研究与推广等方面提出增强农户意愿的政策建议。     

荒漠化治理技术产业化过程中资源–环境–经济协调发展研究：以阿拉善盟为例

荒漠化治理是我国生态文明建设的重要内容,荒漠化治理技术产业化是巩固治理成果的途径,也是涉及资源、环境、经济系统的复杂过程,三者间的协调发展备受关注。本研究基于压力–状态–响应(pressure–state–response,PSR)和资源–环境–经济(resources–environment–economy, REE)相融合的框架模型构建协调发展指标体系,运用主成分分析法和隶属函数构建协调度评价模型,量化了2010–2016年内蒙古阿拉善盟荒漠化治理技术产业化过程中资源、环境、经济系统综合发展水平及系统间协调度。结果表明,该区经济系统和资源系统均具有不同程度的发展,环境系统发展相对滞后,REE系统协调度较低,整体呈上升态势。从发展能力和协调可持续能力两方面采取措施将有利于提高REE系统协调发展水平,推动荒漠化治理技术产业化进程。     

Limited fluid volume resuscitation (LFVR) in severe shock unresponsive to initial fluid challenge: A pilot study in 10 cats

Objective

To evaluate the effect of limited fluid volume resuscitation (LFVR) administration in cats with severe shock that was unresponsive to initial conventional resuscitation (CR) with isotonic crystalloids.

A retrospective study of aplastic pancytopenia in the dog: 9 cases (1996-2003)

BACKGROUND: Aplastic pancytopenia is defined by the presence of pancytopenia in blood and a hypocellular bone marrow with the hematopoietic space replaced by adipose tissue. Several causes of acquired aplastic pancytopenia are known; however, in some cases, an underlying cause is never determined. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this retrospective study was to identify the incidence, potential causes, and outcome of aplastic pancytopenia in dogs. METHODS: Bone marrow cytologic and core biopsy reports were reviewed to identify dogs diagnosed with aplastic pancytopenia between July 1, 1996 and June 30, 2003. Four-hundred eighty-six bone marrow reports that included aspirate and core biopsy evaluations were reviewed. Signalment, treatment given, previous and current disease conditions, clinical signs of disease, clinical laboratory data, therapy, response to therapy, and survival time were recorded. RESULTS: Nine dogs (1.85% of bone marrow samples reviewed) met the criteria for inclusion. Two dogs (22%) had associated diseases that included monocytic ehrlichiosis and Sertoli cell tumor. In 7 dogs (78%), the cause of aplastic pancytopenia could not be definitively determined, although an idiosyncratic drug reaction to griseofulvin was suspected in 1 of the dogs. The median age of dogs diagnosed with aplastic pancytopenia was 3.2 years, and apparent breed or sex predilection was not identified. Median HCT, total WBC count, and platelet count on the day of presentation were 21.8%, 1.0 x 10(3)/microL, and 2.0 x 10(3)/microL, respectively. Six of 9 dogs diagnosed with aplastic pancytopenia died or were euthanized within 21 days. Two dogs had complete hematologic recovery. One dog was living 3 years after diagnosis, but hematologic recovery was never documented. CONCLUSIONS: Aplastic pancytopenia is diagnosed infrequently and idiopathic aplastic pancytopenia may account for up to 67% or more of canine cases. Although the prognosis is guarded, some dogs with aplastic pancytopenia recover.     

Iridial melanocytoma in a ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis): A case report and review of avian melanocytic neoplasia

A 21-year-old, suspected female captive ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis) was followed for 3 years due to an iridial mass of the left eye (OS) that progressively increased in size. Enucleation of OS was eventually recommended due to the iridial mass taking up approximately 75% of the anterior chamber, and the bird seemed less active. A complete physical examination, complete blood cell count, biochemistry, and survey radiographs were performed pre-surgery with no findings indicating metastasis. A subconjunctival enucleation was performed and the globe was submitted for histopathology through the Comparative Ocular Pathology Lab of Wisconsin. The histopathologic evaluation determined the mass to be consistent with an iris melanocytoma, which has not been previously reported in this species. The patient recovered well from surgery and has remained comfortable and active for 117 days post-surgery. This case report aimed to review the current available information on avian ocular neoplasms as well as describe the clinical presentation, medical management and surgical procedure, and long-term follow-up for this patient to enhance clinical understanding of the behavior of iris melanocytic tumors in avian species.